barren patch

USAGE SUMMARY

“barren patch” is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a piece of land or ground that is unable to support plant life and is typically dry and infertile. The phrase can also be used metaphorically to describe something that is unproductive, lacking in growth or development. Example sentence: The farmer surveyed the barren patch of land, knowing it would require significant effort and resources to turn it into a thriving crop field.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

"Very barren patch for me," he tells Knowlson in 1983.

The Guardian - Books

Stratford, formerly a barren patch, is the site of the Olympic stadium and village.

The Economist

Now, this barren patch of earth is, at least in name and spirit, a golf course.

The New York Times

A particular barren patch saw no female students on winning teams between 1970 and 1983.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He turns round and points at another barren patch of mud.

The Guardian

Moreover if Nick Compton hits a barren patch Root could revert to his usual role of opening the batting.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

In the newly barren patches, more messages are being scrawled.

The New York Times

Farmers who used to toil over barren patches of land suddenly find that that land is worth a small fortune.

The New York Times

Today, just a handful of businesses operate along the shoreline, which is marred by vacant warehouses and barren patches used as parking lots.

The New York Times

Mussels appear to be succumbing more easily to crashing waves, with barren patches on the rocks growing larger and appearing with greater frequency, said Dr. Wootton, who carefully documents patch sizes at various island sites.

The New York Times

Pier 54, one of the last barren patches of asphalt south of 14th Street, is set to be formally reopened on May 12 as the city's only area designated for beginner bicyclists.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "barren patch" to describe land, consider specifying the reason for its barrenness (e.g., "a barren patch of desert").

Common error

Avoid overusing "barren patch" metaphorically. While it can effectively describe unproductive situations, overuse can diminish its impact. Opt for more precise and context-specific alternatives when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "barren patch" primarily functions as a descriptive noun phrase. The adjective "barren" modifies the noun "patch", indicating a lack of productivity or vegetation. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in describing areas of land or metaphorical situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "barren patch" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe an unproductive area of land or, metaphorically, a period lacking in success. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its use across various contexts, from news and media to scientific publications. While it's a versatile phrase, it's best to use it with specificity to avoid overuse and maintain its descriptive power. Remember to consider the context and audience when deciding whether to use this phrase literally or metaphorically.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

infertile ground

Focuses on the soil's inability to support life.

unproductive area

Highlights the lack of yield or output from the space.

desolate terrain

Emphasizes the bleak and empty nature of the land.

empty plot

Stresses the absence of anything occupying the space.

wasteland

Suggests a degraded and unusable territory.

sterile zone

Indicates an area incapable of producing life or growth.

bare ground

Focuses on the lack of vegetation covering the soil.

unfruitful land

Highlights the lack of positive results or harvest.

bleak spot

Emphasizes the cheerless and depressing nature of the place.

lifeless expanse

Stresses the absence of life and vitality across a large area.

FAQs

How can I use "barren patch" in a sentence?

You can use "barren patch" to describe a piece of land that is infertile and unable to support plant life, such as, "The farmer surveyed the "barren patch", realizing it would require significant effort to cultivate."

What are some synonyms for "barren patch"?

Alternatives to "barren patch" include "infertile ground", "unproductive area", or "desolate terrain".

Is it correct to use "barren patch" metaphorically?

Yes, "barren patch" can be used metaphorically to describe something unproductive or lacking in development. For instance, "His career went through a "dry patch"."

What's the difference between "barren patch" and "wasteland"?

While both describe unproductive land, "barren patch" refers to a smaller, specific area lacking vegetation, whereas "wasteland" implies a larger area that is generally ruined or unusable.